Seniors celebrate July 4, resident veterans

Jonathan Garris

Published 5:50 pm, Thursday, June 28, 2012

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Sheriff Tommy Gage, Deputy Brad Curtis and Sgt. Paul Cassidy of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, celebrated with fellow veterans at Silverado Senior Living on Bay Branch Drive in The Woodlands as part of their annual “Born in the USA” July 4 celebration Thursday evening. The event featured live music, food, trivia and even the opportunity for residents to dunk a fellow Silverado administrator. less

Sheriff Tommy Gage, Deputy Brad Curtis and Sgt. Paul Cassidy of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, celebrated with fellow veterans at Silverado Senior Living on Bay Branch Drive in The Woodlands as part ... more

Seniors celebrate July 4, resident veterans

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THE WOODLANDS — Veterans and other residents at Silverado Senior Living were treated to live music, food and games Thursday evening as part of their annual “Born in the USA” July 4 celebrations.

The event honored those who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces with a flag ceremony. “Born in the USA” is one of many events the assisted-living center hosts to keep their residents active and happy, Silverado administrator Tana McMillon said.

“We have numerous events throughout the year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.” McMillon said.

The event opened with a prayer led by Charles Joachim, who served in the army in London in the early 1950s.

Joachim said he was honored by the celebration.

“It feels good like you wouldn’t believe.” Joachim said.

Fellow veterans Ed Lasswell and Ken Daniels led the flag pledge shortly after and The Good Times Band, a local musical act, was on hand to perform “America the Beautiful.” Many of the residents and staff members joined together to sing as they played.

Sheriff Tommy Gage, Deputy Brad Curtis and Sgt. Paul Cassidy, of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, also attended. All three have served in the armed forces and took photos with the veterans living at Silverado.

Curtis served in the Army for a number of years and wears his U.S. Army ring every day.

“Veteran events like this are really important to me,” Curtis said.

As a nod to Silverado’s locations around the country, the staff had a table set up with burgers from places such as Washington, Chicago and, of course, Texas. Facts from each state were posted alongside the corresponding burger fixings, which residents could read to compete in trivia later.

“The winner of the trivia game gets a chance to dunk one of us in a dunk tank.” McMillon said.

McMillon said the positive atmosphere was a testament to the day-to-day productivity of their staff and the residents. McMillon said that, as a company, Silverado uses 50 percent less medication than other assisted-living centers and also gives many of its residents simple jobs that allow them to become community volunteers.

“We want to show families that even at this age that people can be purpose driven and remain active.” McMillon said.

A system of positive reinforcement, along with greater freedom around the center, gives staff the ability to allow residents to interact with family members and other people at events such as the July 4 celebrations with minimal issues, McMillon said.

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“Although the memory fades, their feelings remain and it’s important to respect and understand that.” McMillon said.